Celta will push Real Madrid, as they always do
After the recent Europa League exit disappointment, Celta Vigo have a great chance to redeem themselves tonight as they face Real Madrid. This is a fine Celta outfit with the fabulous Iago Aspas leading the line of a side who were within touching distance of a Europa League final berth with a last minute pass catching Guidetti wrong footed as Celta's dreams were extinguished in added time at Old Trafford. Had the Swede connected we could be watching a team anxious to perform well before their historic Solna showdown but unfortunately it will be a Celta side hoping that a home win over Madrid can paper over the cracks with "Los Celestes" instrumental in deciding the fate of the LaLiga title.
Celta, pivotal in title direction
Despite beating Real Madrid providing a small consolation prize there are other motivational factors that will push Berizzo's men. The arrogant manner that Florentino adopted in pushing for the game to go ahead in early February still wrangles with many in the Galician city. During the weekend in question, the North West area of Spain was ravaged by high winds as storms caused havoc in Galicia. As a precautionary method other games were postponed in neighbouring towns of A Coruña and El Ferrol. Madrid were keen for the game to go ahead being aware that Celta faced a tough Copa del Rey clash against Alavés the following week and were planning to rotate their squad with the cup game in mind. The side from the Spanish capital pulled every stunt in pushing for the game to go ahead an in-doing so diluted the elegance that the club has and aims to personify.
Balaidos decides
Tonight Celta have no intention of fielding a weakened team as Florentino was hoping for in February with the Madrid president even offering his own team of engineers to resolve the damaged roof at Balaidos at the time. Berizzo will field his strongest side with the hangover of Old Trafford still lingering after their Europa League dream evaporated with that pass to Guidetti. Tonight's match is the penultimate at home for the Galician's who will want to secure a win to aid the ails of the still suffering "Celetes" fans. Real Madrid will face no pushovers at Balaidos which is nothing new